Unleashing the Ultimate Power: The Definitive Kingdom Hearts 2 Keyblades Ranking

In Kingdom Hearts 2, there are several improvements over its predecessor. The combat system is expanded, the story becomes more complex, and there are even more Keyblades for players to unlock and experiment with. This creates an immersive experience for players familiar with the original game, but it may be overwhelming for newcomers facing difficult enemies.

Similar to the tier list for the first Kingdom Hearts, this tier list will rank the Keyblades based on their design and utility. The timing and difficulty of unlocking a Keyblade may also be considered, especially if it affects its usefulness. However, the design and utility factors will mainly determine the placement of Keyblades in different tiers.

S Tier

Decisive Pumpkin and Ultima Weapon both rank in second place for having the highest Strength stats in the game, making them top-tier Keyblades. While they serve different purposes for players with varying combat styles, they are both equally useful. Decisive Pumpkin may have a lower Magic stat, but it compensates with an ability that rewards those who excel at executing powerful combos. Additionally, its design perfectly captures the essence of Nightmare Before Christmas. On the other hand, Ultima Weapon is renowned as one of the best Keyblades in the Kingdom Hearts series, and it upholds its status in this game. In addition to matching Decisive Pumpkin in Strength, Ultima Weapon boasts a higher Magic stat and an ability that caters to players who prioritize a Magic-focused build.

A Tier

Circle of Life is not only an impressively primal design, but it also possesses a robust Strength stat and an ability that encourages the frequent use of magic. This Keyblade is well-rounded and can be obtained early on, remaining useful for a significant period of time.

Rumbling Rose stands out with one of the highest Strength stats outside of the S-tier Keyblades. Its complete lack of Magic capability makes it unsuitable for those focused on a Magic build. However, for players emphasizing Strength, the ability to unleash multiple consecutive finishers can prove to be extremely advantageous. Its design exudes ferocity, though one may wonder how Sora wields it without causing harm to himself.

Guardian Soul is a Keyblade with a sleek and dark design that complements its high Strength stat. Although it is not specifically designed for Magic builds, it does have a modest Magic stat. Players focusing on a Strength build should take note of its ability to enhance reaction commands in the end game.

Fenrir holds the highest Strength stat in Kingdom Hearts 2, boasting a powerful 7. It also has a long range, making it an extremely lethal weapon. However, its ability negatively affects the player for utilizing such a potent weapon, preventing it from ranking higher on the tier list. Nonetheless, its design reminiscent of Final Fantasy 7 and its high Strength stat secure its place in the A tier.

Oblivion: This Keyblade, along with the two in S-tier, boasts a Strength stat of 6, making it exceptional. While it's considered one of the top Keyblades in the original Kingdom Hearts, it falls into a lower tier here due to its lack of usefulness compared to other endgame Keyblades. Its ability has some utility for players who enjoy Magic attacks, but by the time Oblivion is obtainable, players might as well acquire Ultima Weapon, which offers a stronger ability and Magic stat. Additionally, its design is less extravagant than other Keyblades with the same level of strength.

Winner's Proof: Obtaining this Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts 2 is quite challenging, making its limited usefulness somewhat perplexing. Winner's Proof is by no means ineffective, as it possesses the highest Magic stat among all Keyblades and a decent Strength as well. However, its ability prevents players from gaining experience. If this Keyblade had a beneficial ability, it would likely be classified as S-tier. Nonetheless, it hovers at the lower end of A-tier, narrowly surpassing B-tier due to its visually appealing design, which is considered one of the best in the game.

B Tier

Enhanced Power and Magic: This content fragment showcases a unique capability whose effectiveness relies on the player's usage of Drive Forms. If Drive Forms play a significant role in the gameplay and there is a desire to unlock and utilize the Anti Form, Two Become One becomes a valuable asset, even in the later stages of the game. However, if there is minimal emphasis on Drive Forms, this Keyblade may be overshadowed by others with similar attributes. It is important to mention that Two Become One is exclusively accessible in Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix.

The Bond of Flame is one of the three Keyblades in the game that enhance the three primary elemental spells in Kingdom Hearts. Specifically, it empowers fire-based abilities. Out of the three elemental Keyblades, the Bond of Flame boasts the most intricate design and proves to be the most advantageous, as it offers superior statistics. However, like its elemental counterparts, this Keyblade is rendered ineffective against particular foes that possess resistance to fire-based attacks.

Wishing Lamp: This Keyblade excels in terms of stats, design, and its ability to generate Munny efficiently. However, its lack of a practical combat ability prevents it from reaching its full potential.

Oathkeeper: While Oathkeeper boasts decent design and stats, it doesn't possess any standout features. Its greatest asset lies in its ability to prolong Sora's time in Drive Form, which is highly valuable in Kingdom Hearts 2. Players who frequently utilize these forms to defeat formidable foes may continue to prefer Oathkeeper, even when its initial stats would suggest otherwise.

Fatal Crest: With impressive stats and a haunting design, this Keyblade surpasses many others. However, its ultimate worth lies in its ability, which can either make or break the experience for certain players. While an endless string of combos may sound enticing, the lack of a high-powered finishing move may leave some feeling unsatisfied with the Fatal Crest.

Hero's Crest: The tremendous Strength stat of this Keyblade proves invaluable during the point in the game when it is obtained. Its ability is particularly advantageous for players who excel at executing lengthy combos. Unfortunately, it holds little value for Magic-oriented players, and its Strength stat does not carry Hero's Crest into the later stages of the game.

Star Seeker: An early Keyblade obtained by Sora in the game, its stats become less significant as the game progresses, similar to the Kingdom Key. However, it ranks higher on the tier list due to its ability, which can be combined with other power-ups to execute impressive midair combos. Additionally, it features a distinctive visual design.

Gull Wing: This Keyblade is ideal for players who need to level up quickly to confront challenging bosses in Kingdom Hearts 2. Its ability enhances the experience gained. However, its combat effectiveness diminishes later in the game due to its relatively low stats.

C Tier

Mysterious Abyss: The Keyblade known as Mysterious Abyss enhances the power of Blizzard attacks. While it can prove advantageous against specific enemy types, it is not likely to be a frequently utilized Keyblade for players due to its inferior Strength and Magic compared to Bond of Flame. Moreover, its design lacks distinction, displaying a rather commonplace water motif.

Photon Debugger: Photon Debugger amplifies Thunder damage, offering some utility in specialized scenarios. However, it possesses some of the weakest foundational statistics among all Keyblades featured in the game.

Sleeping Lion: This Keyblade offers moderate Strength and Magic, but lacks distinct utility or flair. Opinions on its ability vary; some find it useful while others see it as a hindrance, as it prolongs the time needed to execute a finisher.

Kingdom Key: The reliable and classic starting Keyblade earns praise for its timeless design, symbolizing all Keyblades in the series. Even after over 15 years since its original release in Kingdom Hearts 2, it remains relevant. Additionally, it possesses a beneficial ability that helps newcomers avoid early mistakes and deaths. However, as new Keyblades are unlocked, the Kingdom Key eventually becomes obsolete and remains so.

Monochrome: This Keyblade lacks a specific purpose within the game. While it possesses a respectable Strength stat, its complete absence of Magic renders it less versatile. The ability to enhance the effectiveness of restoration items limits its practicality to a specialized playstyle reliant on continuous item usage. Monochrome's design highly complements the aesthetic of Timeless River, one of Kingdom Hearts 2's finest worlds, although it may appear somewhat monotonous and drab in other realms.

D Tier

Follow the Wind possesses a captivating, axe-like structure and a special skill that proves valuable in specific scenarios that demand swift accumulation of orbs. However, its Keyblade attributes are comparable to those of the Kingdom Key, a weapon that excels in combat and surpasses the potential of Follow the Wind by the moment this key becomes accessible.

Sweet Memories: This Keyblade holds the distinction of being the first in the series to have a Strength stat of 0. Although it compensates with a moderately high Magic stat, it falls short compared to other Keyblades that possess more than 0 in Strength. Furthermore, its ability to convert Munny into orbs for Kingdom Hearts 2's Drive Forms is not a compelling reason to equip it. Additionally, its design is unremarkable.

Hidden Dragon: While this Keyblade's design is not unfavorable, it fails to redeem itself as one of the weakest Keyblades in the game due to its unimpressive stats and weak ability. The ability of Hidden Dragon grants the player more MP based on the amount of damage they sustain. This implies that players with low health, in need of casting Cure, must deliberately take damage to restore their health. Ultimately, there is no justification for using this Keyblade when superior options are available.